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Is a 45 min layover in San Jose long enough?

SJO · Juan Santamaria International · San Jose, Costa Rica
It Depends

A 45 minutes layover at SJO (San Jose) is tight — it may or may not be enough.

Meets the bare domestic-domestic MCT but leaves zero buffer if lines are long.
Quick Stats
Concourses
2
Max Transit
15m
Avg. Security
20m
Primary Hub
Sansa Airlines
Minimum Connection Times
Domestic → Domestic
45min
tight
Domestic → International
60min
✗
International → Domestic
75min
✗
International → International
100min
✗
AD PLACEMENT — CONTEXTUAL
Tips for 45 min Connections
If connecting between two international flights, budget extra time since you must fully exit through immigration and customs before rechecking in.
Domestic flights on Sansa depart from a separate small terminal, so confirm which building your onward flight uses and allow time to walk or shuttle over.
Airport signage and staff are helpful, but lines at immigration can back up quickly during mid-morning and early-evening bank waves.
Keep your passport and any transit documentation handy, as you'll present it multiple times during the connection process.
If your bags are checked through, don't assume they'll transfer automatically — for many itineraries you'll need to reclaim and recheck them yourself.
Busyness — Connection Risk
12a6a12p6p12a
Low risk
Moderate
High risk
Tight connections are safer outside peak hours. Morning rush (6–9a), midday (11a–2p), and evening (4–8p) are highest risk.
Getting Between Concourses
The main terminal handles all international traffic and most domestic flights on larger carriers, while a small separate domestic building (used mainly by Sansa Airlines) sits a short walk or quick shuttle ride away. Because Costa Rica has no international transit facility, arriving international passengers must exit through immigration, retrieve checked bags, clear customs, and then re-enter through check-in and security for their next flight — there is no way to stay airside.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 45 minutes enough for a layover at Juan Santamaria International (SJO)?

Meets the bare domestic-domestic MCT but leaves zero buffer if lines are long.

What is the minimum connection time at SJO?

Minimum connection times at Juan Santamaria International: Domestic-to-Domestic is 45 minutes, International-to-International is 100 minutes. These are the shortest layovers airlines will sell.

Can I make a 45 minutes connection at SJO on an international flight?

45 minutes is below the 100-minute international MCT at Juan Santamaria International. You may need to rush and could miss your connection. The main terminal handles all international traffic and most domestic flights on larger carriers, while a small separate domestic building (used mainly by Sansa Airlines) sits a short walk or quick shuttle ride away. Because Costa Rica has no international transit facility, arriving international passengers must exit through immigration, retrieve checked bags, clear customs, and then re-enter through check-in and security for their next flight — there is no way to stay airside.

How much time do I need for a layover at SJO?

We recommend at least 1 hour 45 min for a comfortable connection at Juan Santamaria International. This gives you enough buffer for security (typically 20 minutes) and transit between terminals (up to 15 minutes).

What happens if I miss my connection at SJO?

Airline ticket counters are located in the main terminal near check-in; since SJO isn't a major rebooking hub, expect to work directly with your airline's desk or a ground handling agent, and be prepared for limited same-day alternatives given the airport's modest flight frequency.

Other Layover Durations at SJO
25 min30 min35 min40 min50 min55 min1 hr1¼ hr1½ hr1¾ hr2 hr2½ hr3 hr4 hr
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